Russia expels UK diplomat over spying allegations
Russia has announced the expulsion of a United Kingdom diplomat, accusing him of being an undercover spy. The Russian foreign ministry summoned Britain’s charge d’affaires to lodge a protest and stated that the diplomat’s accreditation is being revoked. The FSB identified the individual as Gareth Samuel Davies, the embassy’s second secretary. Tensions between Moscow and London have been strained for years due to ongoing espionage disputes.
What we know
- Russia accused a UK diplomat of being linked to British intelligence services and ordered his expulsion.
- The Russian foreign ministry summoned Britain’s charge d’affaires to deliver a formal protest.
- The diplomat, named as Gareth Samuel Davies, is listed as the embassy’s second secretary.
- Russia warned Britain against escalating the situation and promised a “firm symmetrical response” if there is retaliation.
- Past incidents, including the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal, have contributed to long-standing tensions between the two countries.
